Saturday, March 26, 2011

When I first entered Artlife's Etsy shop, the first thing I knew for a fact was that the artist definitely had a sense of humor! That was immediately evident from looking at the "fun-tastic" messages she was sending with her badges. Things like, "My night job is ninja," and "100 percent geek." These are just a couple of examples of the whimsical and giggle-inducing sayings you will find on her fun and funky pinback buttons.

Ellen, the creator and artist behind Artlife, had this to say about her craft; "Since I can remember, I've always been involved in some form of art; be it painting, drawing, photography, jewelry-making, dance, poetry or graphic design. Over the years, the mediums have changed, but ART has always been a central part of my life. Therfore, when I opened my shop ARTLIFE on Etsy in 2006, the name “art life” seemed to fit perfectly.

At ARTLIFE I sell Pinback Buttons (also called Badges) and Fridge Magnets which I design, print, and press myself. At one point in my life I was a Graphic Designer so all of the computer design skills I used for that are coming into play every time I design a button. I'm really loving the “button” as art form and am never at a loss for new button ideas. It is so fun when I do craft fairs to talk about button ideas with people. The idea for a new button in my shop “What Exit? New Jersey Map” came from an artist I met at a show who had grown up in New Jersey. He told me "What Exit?" is a common question that all folks from New Jersey ask each other when they meet as the state is so long and skinny and everyone lives off an exit on the New Jersey Turnpike! I love that my buttons are out there starting conversations and hopefully making people smile and take life a little less seriously.

So ARTLIFE is all about the fun and joy of life and wearing a small piece of art with a funny saying or a cool pop culture reference that hopefully makes life a little more enjoyable! It is also about random encounters and getting the conversation flowing ---- maybe if you are wearing a button of mine, you will end up talking to someone who you wouldn't have normally talked to because they commented on the button you are wearing!!! Who knows, that person might change your life!!"

This craft and artform are clearly a passion for Ellen, as is sharing that art with the world! So if you are having one of those days where you are feeling fun, or you feel the need to bring a smile to a stranger's face - just pin on one of these mini pieces of art and you are sure to leave a trail of happiness wherever you go!

Be sure to check out the Featured Etsy Shop page for a preview of the gems you will find in Artlife's Etsy shop! You can also "like" Artlife on Facebook or follow her on Twitter!

Friday, March 18, 2011

The very first thing that you will notice when you visit ThisNThatBoutique19's Etsy shop is the sweet smiles and chubby cheeks of some truly adorable little babies! Soon after you will notice some of the cutest and sweetest hats and hair bows that you have ever seen! This shop is chock full of incredible accessories to dress up your little angel!

My personal favorite has to be the Minnie Mouse hat with it's little pink bow placed jauntily over one ear - who wouldn't look cute in that hat? ThisNThatBoutique19 also carries hats for the little man in your life which include an awesome little dinosaur and a football helmet!

You can also find some very high quality korker bows in this shop. Korker bows are made by attaching curls of ribbon to a clip and the end result reminds me of a firecracker of cuteness!! I had to have one of these for my little girl and it looks absolutely adorable in her hair! You can even request these bows to match any outfit or team colors for your little sports fan!

ThisNThatBoutique19 is run by twin sisters Meaghen and Melissa. They started by creating bows and hats for their own sweet little children and enjoyed it so much that they decided to make a business out of it! It is obvious by the quality of their work that they love what they do and create each piece as if it would be worn by their own children.

Anything from their shop would be the perfect addition to an Easter basket or as a birthday gift! So be sure to check out ThisNThatBoutique19's Etsy shop! For a preview of the sweet items you will find in their shop, be sure to check out our Featured Etsy Shop page!

Friday, March 4, 2011

At first glance into Blackcatqueen's Etsy shop you will immediately notice her love for cats. It isn't until a closer inspection that you will find what really brings nature and animal lover, Raven Simons to this place. It is the ancient art of kumihimo.

I know you're thinking "kumi-what?" Well, it's kumihimo and it is the ancient art of Japanese braid-making. It was most famously used by the samurai before going into battle as a way to lace their armor, not only onto themselves, but also onto their horses. It has since evolved into an art form used in jewelry and other designs.

Raven always had a passion for her art, but it wasn't until she received much encouragement from her friends that she decided to sell her art to the public. These kumihimo necklaces are intricately woven from colorful thread that gets only more beautiful upon closer inspection. Great care and passion goes into each and every piece that she creates. The braided cords can either be woven with or without beads which create a unique and textured look!

Raven welcomes custom order requests and questions of any sort! She has also recently added some great earrings to her inventory that you really should see!

If you need a truly unique gift for the animal lover in your life, or would like to treat yourself to a great, hand-crafted piece of art, these necklaces would be perfect! For a preview of these fantastic works of art, be sure to check out our Featured Etsy Shop page. For more details and information, you can go directly to her Etsy shop and you can also find her on Facebook!